He told me I was his best friend--is there potential down the line?

Question

This friend of mine, who I have had feelings for, and I went out for dinner after work the other night, and at first all we could do was complement eachother, and how wonderful he thinks I am, and how he thinks of me all the time, and how he's constantly impressed by me (ego trip!).
Eventually, I came around and told him, straight up, that I really do like him. He told me he already always kind of knew. He told me also, however, that he really needs my friendship before any relationship. He told me I am truely his best friend, and that he feels like he can talk to me about everything--and that that's what he needs in his life now.
He told me, also, that he just started counseling to get through some issues he's had for a while with himself, and other things relationship related.
Do you think that perhaps down the line, eventually--he and I have the chance to be together, beyond our already outstanding friendship?
He's the most genuine person, I don't know what I do without him.

Answer 1

I moved to the city where a good college friend lived and ran into her one night. We went out to catch up gossip. I was new in her city. She offered to be my tour guide. We became best friends. I fell in love with her city and with her. She proposed to me. What we were both looking for was right there in front of us. That was 41 yrs ago and we are still married and best friends. I would stay with him thru his counseling. He has told you that is what he needs right now. After he has worked thru his issues, he will be ready to move on in life, and you will be the friend who was with him thru his troubles. BTW, my wife and I think that marrying your best friend is a great idea. We have seen people do things to their spouses that they would never do to their best friends.

Answer 2

Yes, there is potential. A solid friendship is the basis for any long-lasting relationship. However, he may not be able to give of himself in a romantic sort of way right now.

If you want to marry this man, then you need to keep him in your life, continue to cultivate this friendship, etc.

However, it is possible that he may never be available to you romantically, so you would be foolish to ignore other opportuniies that might present themselves.

Of course, if he starts dating someone else while you are "available", then odds are, there is no romantic future here in the near term.